Wednesday, December 11, 2013

C Wonder

 
 
 
 

Today while at Southpoint mall in Raleigh NC I stumbled upon the new C Wonder store that just opened I have been on their website (C Wonder) many of times but was so happy to finally go inside a store. I found so many cute things from their classic button downs with fun ascent prints to an adorable gold chevron tea set.I am in love with the monogram cuff bracelets they are beyond adorable. I was very impressed by their customer service the sales associates were very friendly and helpful. This will definitely become one of my new favorite stores.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Christmas Macarons

My latest sweet obsession has been macarons and since I refuse to pay $3 each at a bakery I knew I had to learn how to make them. Here is the recipes I used and I was really happy with my results I made plain vanilla which are the green ones I added the food color in to make them feel festive and I also made red velvet. 

 

For the Macarons

  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 3/4 cup almond flour
  • 2 large egg whites, room temperature
  • Pinch of cream of tartar
  • 1/4 cup superfine sugar
  • 1 tbs. coco powder (for the red velvet macarons)
Step One
Pulse confectioners' sugar and almond flour in a food processor until combined also add the coco powder if you are making the red velvet and sift threw 2 times if you don't have a sifter mix around well with a fork or whisk.
Step Two
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Whisk whites with a mixer on medium speed until foamy. Add cream of tartar, and whisk until soft peaks form. Reduce speed to low, then add superfine sugar. Increase speed to high, and whisk until stiff peaks form, about 8 minutes. Sift flour mixture over whites, add in your food coloring I recommend the color past and not a liquid, and fold until mixture is smooth and shiny.
Step Three
Let macarons cool on sheets for 2 to 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. (If macarons stick, spray water underneath parchment on hot sheet. The steam will help release macarons.)

Fillings

This is my butter-cream recipe
  • 1 stick butter 
  • 3 cups powder sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • dash of salt
  • 3 tbs. heavy whipping cream
Cream Cheese filling
  • 3 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powder sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Christmas Plaid

 

It's that time of year again, Christmas so break out your best holiday attire. My absolute favorite holiday skirt is the J.Crew factory pleated mini wool skirt (they are sold out of the plaid online) Skirt, it's perfect to wear on Christmas day because of the comfortable elastic waist band you can eat your feast and still look cute. Sweater: Ralph Lauren, Tights: target, Boots: Lane Bryant, Coat: J.Crew, Watch: Michael Kors.

Monday, December 2, 2013

Sweet Macaroons

It's FINALS time !!! I always love to relax between studying with a nice bubble bath and classical piano music and read through my stack of magazines and munch of macaroons. Macaroons seem to make everything better, even finals.